New York City FC Interested In Signing Shola Ameobi, Says Report

After confirming David Villa has joined New York City FC, the MLS team continues to work on bolstering their strike force as they are now linked with the potential signing of Shola Ameobi, formerly of Newcastle United.

The Nigerian international is currently a free agent and training with his country to prepare for the World Cup. Before his contract expired, Ameobi was with Newcastle United for 14 years. The 32-year-old was, at first, a consistent starter but then injuries derailed him and eventually the target man became a fringe player.

“When you grow up watching your heroes, you hope and pray that you get the chance to play for the team you support,” said Ameobi, quoted in the Newcastle Chronicle newspaper. “I’ve managed to live that dream and be a part of the history and fabric of this great club. That is something I don’t take lightly, and I fully appreciate how lucky I have been. I hope the fans realize that I have given everything for this club – blood, sweat and my soul. Hopefully they can appreciate that. You have a lot of players who come and go but I have tried to be true to myself every single game and every single season, and I can sleep at night knowing I couldn’t have done any more. What I have put on the table has been all of me, and I am very proud to be able to say that.”

Sydney FC in Australia are also interested in Ameobi while Hull City manager Steve Bruce has also expressed an interest. But if NYCFC Director of Football Operations Claudio Reyna and the owners back the move, then Ameobi may be joining New York City FC alongside Frank Lampard for their inaugural season in MLS during 2015.